RICHMOND, Va. - A big step has been taken for people in Virginia living with epilepsy and it's all because of two local girls.
Jamie Van Cleave of Yorktown and Brie Gesick of Virginia Beach have been advocating for those with epilepsy for quite some time. Both girls live with the medical condition and know how challenging it can be.
They have spoken directly to representatives in Richmond even garnered bipartisan support in their efforts to raise awareness.
Most recently their work has been acknowledged by Governor Ralph Northam as he proclaimed March 26 as Epilepsy Heroes Day in the Commonwealth of Virginia.
"The reference to 'Epilepsy Heroes' in the proclamation includes our Virginia Teens Speak Up! representatives Jamie Van Cleave and Brie Gesick, along with anyone living with epilepsy, their caregivers, medical professionals, and other advocates. Thank you to Jamie and Brie for their advocacy and for working with Governor Northam to make this happen. This is a win for 84,800 people living with epilepsy in Virginia and their families," the Epilepsy Foundation said on Facebook.
Due to the current public health crisis the girls were not able to schedule a public signing.
As the world continues to deal with the effects of COVID-19, the girls are taking extra precautions to keep themselves safe.
According to the CDC, "based on currently available information and clinical expertise, older adults and people of any age who have serious underlying medical conditions might be at higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19."
It may be another hurdle the girls will have to overcome, but their support team is confident they will be able to do so.
